Gene Williams, Clarinet

I am an Elementary Instrumental Music Specialist in Omaha Public Schools.

In addition to music I love golf, working out at the Y, camping, hiking, fishing in the mountains, and traveling.

I chose the clarinet because the friendly Lyons Band Instrument Company rep. from Chicago told me I was well suited for that instrument when I was a 5th grader at Wyanet Grade School in Wyanet, IL at our annual ‘Band Night’. I believed him, and the rest is history! I’ve been a LSO member for 19 years!

My most memorable musical experience – the one that excited me about classical music and performing in an orchestra — was attending a London Symphony Orchestra concert in Peoria, IL in the ‘70’s when they performed Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Overture and Vaughn Williams’ 5th Symphony. I was hooked!

I simply love the clarinet’s sound quality. It is warm, introspective, yet versatile.

LSO is important to Lincoln and Nebraska because we are a premier performing arts organization in Nebraska and the only professional ensemble providing orchestral repertoire to Lincoln on a regular basis. The importance placed on the arts help define a community and enriches citizens’ lives.